(NAPSA)—Here’s a quick tip for a delicious dish: Slow cook your mashedpotatoes. Slow cookers save time, energy and space in the kitchen. They're particularly helpful during holidays, when extra stove top and oven space are in high demand. Slow cookers actually save you time because there’s no needfor constant attention or frequent stir- ring and there’s minimal cleanup. Here’s one slow-cooker mashed Photo courtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission. fast becomea family favorite: Add room-temperature butter and milk to your potatoes for a rich creamy taste and texture. Idaho potatoes recipe that could Slow-Cooked Mashed Potatoes Approximately eight cups 3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled and cutinto 1-inch cubes 1% cups water % cup (1 stick) butter, divided 1 teaspoonsalt or to taste Y% teaspoon black pepperor to taste 1 cup whole milk Coat a 3%-4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add potatoes and pour water over potatoes, stir, cover and cook on high setting 3 hours or until potatoes are tender. Reduce heat to low, add all but 1 table- spoon of the butter, salt and pepper. Using a potato masher or a handheld electric mixer, beat on medium speed until potatoes are thoroughly mashed (while potatoes are in the slow cooker). Slowly add the milk and beat until creamy; do not overbeator they will be stiff and have a “gummy”texture. Place the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small microwave bowl and cook on high setting 25-30 seconds or until just melted. Drizzle evenly over potatoes. Cooking Tips To make sure you're getting potatoes grown in Idaho’s unique climate—warm days, cool nights, rich volcanic soil and abundant fresh water—always look for the “Grown in Idaho”seal. Cut potatoes in evenly shaped cubes. Place potatoes in cold water and then bringto a boil. Add a bouillon cube to the potatoes while they areboiling. Don’t overbeat. This can create starchy, sticky mashed potatoes. Beat in herbs, seasonings, minced vegetables or grated cheese for addedflavor and color. For fluffier mashed potatoes, stir in a % teaspoon of baking powder. Let sit for a few minutes before serving. Learn More For more potato facts, tips and recipes, visit www.idahopotato.com. Facebook: Facebook.com/famous idahopotatoes; Twitter: twitter.com/ idahopotato; Pinterest: Pinter est.com/idahopotato.
